Replacing a single golf cart battery is strongly discouraged due to the interconnected nature of battery systems. Golf carts typically use 6V, 8V, or 12V batteries wired in series to achieve 36V, 48V, or 72V systems. Mixing old and new batteries creates imbalances in voltage, capacity, and internal resistance, accelerating degradation of the entire pack. Always replace all batteries simultaneously to ensure uniform performance and longevity.
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Why can’t I replace just one battery?
Voltage mismatch and capacity imbalance are primary concerns. A new battery charges/discharges faster than aged ones, forcing the BMS to compensate erratically. Pro Tip: Test all batteries with a load tester—if voltage drops >0.5V under load, full replacement is urgent.
Golf cart batteries work as a team—imagine runners tied in a three-legged race. One weak member slows everyone. In a 48V system (eight 6V batteries), a single degraded unit reduces total runtime by 25%+ and risks overcharging others. Critical thresholds: Replace if any battery’s specific gravity varies >0.050 between cells or rests below 1.225 after charging.
What happens if I ignore this advice?
Thermal runaway and premature failure become likely. The new battery overworks to compensate for weaker units, generating excess heat. Did you know? A 10°C temperature rise doubles corrosion rates in lead-acid batteries.
Case study: A user replaced one 8V battery in a 48V EZ-GO pack. Within 30 cycles, the new battery’s capacity dropped 40% as it constantly “donated” energy to older cells. Charger errors spiked, mistaking the pack’s uneven voltage for a faulty connection. Transitional note: Beyond individual cell impacts, partial replacements strain the controller, risking MOSFET burnout from inconsistent current flow.
| Single Battery Replaced | Full Pack Replacement |
|---|---|
| ~80-150 cycles remaining | 800-1,200 cycles (LiFePO4) |
| High risk of BMS faults | Stable voltage curves |
Redway Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
Only for <72 hours in emergencies. Immediately balance the pack by charging at 10% below standard voltage to prevent overstress on the new unit.
Do lithium batteries allow single replacements?
No—even with modular LiFePO4, always swap all cells. Internal resistance matching is factory-calibrated; adding new cells disrupts current distribution.
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